Museum of Surrey showcases the life of pioneer Kate Cindrich, whose journey from Croatia to Whalley shaped Surrey’s farming and education community.
Surrey Museum Honours Pioneer Kate Cindrich’s Legacy
A life remembered through history
The Museum of Surrey is paying tribute to one of Surrey’s earliest pioneers, Katerina (Kate) Cindrich, through a new exhibit that runs until October 19. The display highlights her immigration story, family struggles, and community contributions, offering Canadians a rare glimpse into life before the Second World War.
From Croatia to British Columbia
Born in 1909 in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, now Croatia, Kate married Josip Cindrich at just 15. Seeking a better future, Josip moved to Canada in 1928, with Kate following in 1937. The couple first settled in Princeton before making Surrey their permanent home in 1943, carrying their infant across the Pattullo Bridge to farmland in Whalley.
Clearing the “stump farms”
The Cindrich family, like many immigrant settlers, became known as “stump farmers.” Their land was littered with massive stumps left from logging, and survival depended on years of backbreaking work to clear and cultivate fields. Wildlife, wildflowers, and berry patches surrounded their farm, painting a vivid picture of Surrey’s rural landscape in the 1940s.
Building a family against hardship
Tragedy struck early in Kate’s life with the loss of her first two children to influenza. Later, in 1957, her husband Josip died, leaving her a widow with seven children—the youngest just four years old. Despite hardship, Kate became known for her resilience and determination to raise and educate her family.
Champion of education
Though unable to read herself, Kate became a strong advocate for education. She instilled in her children a deep respect for learning, ensuring they all graduated from high school, with many pursuing post-secondary studies. Her dedication was recognized in 1994 when a Surrey school, Cindrich Elementary, was named in her honour. The school’s library also bears her name.
Legacy in Surrey
Kate Cindrich lived in Surrey for 60 years, passing away in 2003 at the age of 94. Her legacy endures through her descendants, the school that bears her name, and the many families she inspired with her resilience. The Museum of Surrey’s exhibit preserves her story, celebrating the immigrant spirit that shaped British Columbia.
Exhibit details
The Kate Cindrich exhibit is open until October 19 at the Museum of Surrey. Admission is free. Visitors can learn more at surrey.ca/museum, by calling 604-592-6956, or by emailing museum@surrey.ca.
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